NIS America has announced that Natsume’s Book of Friends Premium Edition DVD set is now being shipped to retailers. The release also coincides with the Occult Academy Complete Series Standard Edition Blu-ray set becoming available across North America.

Natsume’s Book of Friends tells the story of Natsume, a boy who has always been considered an outcast because he inherited his grandmother’s ability to see yokai—strange beings that are invisible to most people. When Natsume discovers his grandmother’s “Book of Friends” allowing him to control the yokai whose names are within, the strange creatures begin visiting him daily trying to take possession of the book. Natsume’s Book of Friends has been airing in Japan since 2008 and has been winning over American fans ever since with its exploration of friendship and “being there” for those you care about. Now the series is making its Western debut in the form of this premium edition.

[adsense250itp]The DVD set contains all 26 episodes from Seasons 1 and 2 on four DVD discs along with a hardcover collector’s edition slipcase and deluxe art book. The art book is 32 full color pages that provide a deeper viewing experience. Giving you information on the characters, an episode guide, an interview with director Takahiro Omori, and more, the book is a must have for any fan.

In addition to Natsume’s Book of Friends, the horror comedy Occult Academy has become widely available across North America. Occult Academy tells the story of a group of high school students and faculty who take on creatures, ancient prophecies, and even the end of the world. If that doesn’t sound like enough then throw in a world being ravaged by an alien wasteland, time travelers sent back to prevent the apocalypse, and a dash of the Mayan calendar end-of-the-world myth.

Occult Academy Complete Series Blu-ray

The Occult Academy Complete Series Standard Edition includes all 13 episodes on two Blu-ray discs. It also contains a story guide leaflet, four bonus short episodes providing a look into main character Maya’s past, and all the other extras from the Premium Edition release.

Natsume’s Book of Friends and Occult Academy are just a few of the many anime series available from NIS America. They also have an anime based off of the popular Shin Megami Tensei: Persona series available. All these anime series are available for purchase from several online retailers or directly from the NIS America online store where you can get free domestic shipping and a free bonus item when ordering Natsume’s Book of Friends Premium Edition.

Ben Sheene

Ben is from Kentucky where he originally began playing games (an activity he still continues to this day). With a love for writing he graduated from Centre College with a BA in English. He recently moved to California to pursue whatever future endeavors were there. A passion for music, gaming, blogging, and existing keeps him up at night and crafts him into the person he is today.